Public Meetings - Altoona, Wisconsin

The Altoona Common Council met on Thursday, June 25, 2026, at 5:00 PM in Council Chambers at City Hall. The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, roll call, and approval of the June 11, 2026 minutes. Department heads provided reports, and a lengthy discussion was held on the strategic development of city-owned lots adjacent to the old landfill in Windsor Forest. The meeting adjourned at 7:30 PM. Consent Calendar - The consent agenda was approved unanimously, including: - Approval of refuse hauler licenses. - Resolution 6A-26 regarding the submission of the City’s Compliance Maintenance Annual Report (CMAR) for the wastewater collection system to the Wisconsin DNR. - Approval of Brian Coley as the new Agent for Kwik Trip, Inc., Store 828. Public Comments & Testimony - Brandon Cedar Blade (551 Saxon Road) questioned the need for development, expressing appreciation for the current wooded green space and asking, "Why do we need to do anything with it?" - A senior resident from 901 Woodland Court (Windsor Forest) expressed desire for single-level homes suitable for seniors, voiced concerns about potential landfill gas and safety issues (a heavy cover on a sewer outfall repeatedly popping off), and urged caution about building near the landfill. Discussion Items - Introduction to Windsor Forest Parcels: City Administrator Mike Golot described the city-owned lots on the west end of Saxonwood adjacent to the decommissioned landfill (capped in 1984, formerly a municipal dump). The property is unzoned and has existing water/sewer infrastructure along the east boundary. Staff presented four conceptual development options, all assuming market-rate construction initially, with further discussion on affordability. - Development Options Presented: - Single-family: 7 lots (60x120 ft), $130,000 infrastructure, estimated $2.94M valuation ($420,000 per home). Suitable for traditional market-rate homes. - Cottage Court: 16 units with shared common space and parking; $263,000 infrastructure; $3.52M valuation ($220,000 per unit). Requires HOA. Council questioned demand without garages in Wisconsin. - Twin Homes: 9 units (45x120 ft each), $130,000 infrastructure; $3.15M valuation ($350,000 each). Similar to existing development on Cole Drive. - Condominiums: 10 units (based on Tom Toy model), $144,000 infrastructure; $3M valuation ($300,000 each). Requires HOA. - Affordability Discussion: Staff noted that to achieve affordability, the city could discount land/infrastructure, impose deed restrictions (e.g., 1% annual appreciation cap for 31 years), or create a land trust. However, these methods are complex and may limit buyer interest. Council debated whether to pursue affordable housing on this small number of lots or to sell lots at market price to recover costs and let the market provide naturally affordable smaller homes. - Council Positions: - Councilperson Stuber expressed concern about spending city resources on affordable housing that only yields a handful of units; suggested building market-rate homes to free up move-up inventory. - Councilperson Lima favored selling lots to end‑users rather than builders, with covenants to ensure affordable design (smaller footprint, one‑car garage) and prevent speculative resale. - Councilperson Rowe supported single-family homes due to neighborhood fit, but acknowledged a market for downsizing seniors. - Councilperson Thielen proposed auctioning lots individually to multiple builders for variety. - Landfill Concerns: Councilperson Zilmer raised liability issues and questioned whether building on the site is safe given unknown waste and potential methane migration. Staff responded that monitoring wells show no hits and gradient flows away from the site, but acknowledged disclosure and monitoring are necessary. - Additional Considerations: Staff noted the landfill parcel could be used as a park or recreational amenity, but development on the capped landfill would need DNR approval. Key Outcomes - No formal vote was taken. Council directed staff to refine development options, focusing on designs between cottage court and single-family (e.g., small single-family homes with one‑car garages). - Staff will return with revised layouts and cost estimates, considering selling lots individually to end‑users to preserve affordability and control. - The discussion will continue at a subsequent council meeting.

The Altoona Common Council met Thursday, June 11, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. in Council Chambers at Altoona City Hall, 1303 Lynn Avenue, Altoona, WI. Council President Matthew Bier presided in the absence of Mayor Brendan Pratt. Present were Councilmembers Dale Stewart, Timothy Lima, Susie Zilmer, and Susan Rowe; Councilmember Bruce Thielen was absent. Also present were City Attorney Samba Campson, Planning Director Taylor Greenwell, Parks and Recreation Director Chad Durkup, and City Clerk Cindy Bauer (listed as "Cindy Bowers" in the transcript). The council approved the May 28 meeting minutes, a consent agenda of alcohol and tobacco licenses and a Juneteenth proclamation, a new Class "A" liquor/beer license for Ranch Brand Meat Company (Rumps), an extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ) agreement with the Town of Washington, a new River Prairie Event Center management agreement, a fee schedule ordinance, and an exclusive rental use policy for the Yard Container Park. It also received the quarterly Visit Eau Claire tourism report and a department head report on intergovernmental and storm-related matters. The meeting adjourned at 6:38 p.m. Consent Calendar - Approved the minutes of the May 28, 2026, regular council meeting by unanimous voice vote. - Approved consent agenda items 1-4 and 6 in one motion: Combination "Class B" Retailers license (intoxicating liquors), Class "B" beer license, Class "C" wine license, Class "A" liquor and beer retail licenses, and the proclamation recognizing Juneteenth Celebration Day on June 19, 2026. The motion carried unanimously. - Item 5, the cigarette, tobacco, and/or electronic vaping device retail licenses, was pulled for a separate vote and approved, with Councilmember Rowe abstaining. Public Comments and Testimony - No members of the public came forward during the Citizens Participation Period; the council closed the period by unanimous voice vote. New Business: Quarterly Tourism Report (Visit Eau Claire) - Kenzie Hablachek, Executive Director of Visit Eau Claire (which holds the city's tourism contract), presented the quarterly report. The Wisconsin Department of Tourism released 2025 county-level figures earlier that week showing Eau Claire County total economic impact up 4% year over year, surpassing the inflation rate. - Altoona pages drew nearly 31,000 website sessions, and more than 5,300 referrals were sent to Altoona businesses - a 74% increase over the same period last year, attributed heavily to the Yard Container Park. - Over the past five months, Visit Eau Claire created more than 30 website content pieces and 24 social media videos featuring Altoona businesses and locations. - The "Get Out Again" spring campaign targeted 11 Midwest priority markets, including Minneapolis, Chicago, and Madison, generating 4.7 million impressions and over 7 million social impressions. - Hablachek noted a busy summer festival season (the return of Eau Claire's festival and Ride Across Wisconsin, hosted by the Wisconsin Bike Federation) and a 10-year destination master plan under development - firm selection expected in July and completion in roughly nine months - with Altoona included. She invited council members to reach out to promote Altoona events. New Business: Class "A" Retail License - Ranch Brand Meat Company, LLC - Staff presented the license separately because Rumps has been sold; prior owner Kyle Niederman surrendered the license, and the new owners were told they may not sell liquor during the interim period before the new licensing year begins July 1. - The council approved the Class "A" retail license to sell intoxicating liquors and the Class "A" retail license to sell fermented malt beverages for Ranch Brand Meat Company, LLC, DBA Rumps/Ranch Brand Meat Co. (agent Steven J. Rooney, 1411 Lynn Avenue) for the July 1-June 30 licensing year, plus a provisional license covering June 12-30, 2026. - Discussion noted that Ranch Brand Meat Company is based in Chippewa, owns its own cattle herd, and has other operations in the area; staff said the beef at Rumps was already largely local. - Vote: all in favor; motion carried. New Business: ETJ Agreement - Amy Alpine, City of Altoona, and Town of Washington - The Alpines, who were present, propose donating approximately 60 acres to the Town of Washington for conservation by consolidating three parcels on Altoona's southern border into a 57-acre conservancy lot and a 5-acre lot containing the single-family home. - Because the property lies within Altoona's extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ) and new parcels must meet a 10-acre minimum, the standard ETJ agreement is required. The agreement provides that any future development would require annexation into the City of Altoona and connection to city utilities; for now the land remains in the Town of Washington. - Staff said the city made its best case for the land to be in Altoona, but the Alpines prefer to keep it in its natural state as a conservancy. Staff described it as a good resource for residents. - Vote: all in favor; motion carried. New Business: River Prairie Event Center Management Agreement - Hospitality Management T & T, LLC - The council approved a management agreement with Hospitality Management T & T, LLC (the same management group as before) for July 1, 2026, through December 31, 2028. - The structure changes from a cost and revenue share on food and rentals to a more traditional arrangement: T&T will pay the city $9,200 per month (about $110,000 per year), set its own rates, and keep revenue above the monthly fee. Staff said this exceeds the roughly $95,000 per year the city typically received, gives T&T incentives to grow the business, and simplifies bookkeeping. - T&T may host up to 10 public events of its own per year (for example, St. Patrick's Day, New Year's Eve, and Thanksgiving). The city retains use of the facility for elections and city events; T&T provides food at cost for two city events per year (breakfast with Santa and Easter); and the city may bring in outside catered meals for its own events. - Vote: all in favor; motion carried. New Business: Ordinance 6A-26 - Fee Schedule Amendments - The council considered Ordinance 6A-26, amending Chapter 3.08, Addendum "A" (the city's fee schedule). The ordinance removes fees associated with rental of the River Prairie Center (now managed by T&T), lowers River Prairie outdoor space fees for city events, and adds Yard Container Park fees: tent rental free Monday through Thursday and $30 per hour Friday through Sunday; container park rental $150 per hour with a three-hour minimum; and mobile speakers $30 per hour with a two-hour minimum. - Staff said rentals are coordinated with T&T management to avoid conflicts, and a summer Saturday tent rental reserved a year in advance would likely be declined because it could conflict with a wedding or event. Staff also said Yard tent and outdoor spaces will operate like regular park pavilions - available on a first-come, first-served basis unless a permit is posted. - After discussion, a councilmember moved to amend the motion to approve the ordinance as presented, and the amended motion passed unanimously. - Vote: all in favor; motion carried. New Business: Exclusive Rental Use Policy - Yard Container Park - The policy was developed after someone asked to rent the entire Yard (about 300 people) in August, a request with no existing provision. If a rental overlaps normal business hours, all five Yard vendors must agree the event benefits them. The city may rent the park outside normal hours: after 7:00 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday; after 7:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday (the official closing time, though vendors sometimes stay open later); Sunday after 3:00 p.m.; and Monday all day. - No outside food or alcohol may be brought in; renters must arrange food with one or more Yard vendors and alcohol through the Iron Horse. - The application process will use the city's special event permit. Staff will add signage about renting the park, put up tent walls (weather permitting), and have tables and chairs available within a couple of weeks, with delivery arranged for earlier rentals. - Vote: all in favor; motion carried. Councilmembers described the policy as a potential win-win. Miscellaneous Business and Communications - A city official (referred to as "Mike" in the transcript) arrived late, apologized, and gave a department head report covering the following: - Fire shared services: discussions with Eau Claire (David Solberg) are being restarted to cover both fire shared services and the sewer agreement. A Town of Washington fire arrangement was tried but would not work at this time; staff said working with Eau Claire makes the most sense. - Sewer agreement settlement: progress is being made with Eau Claire, whose new manager agreed to have a rate expert review the proposal; a follow-up meeting was set for June 12 at 10:00 a.m. - Innovation (shared-services) grant: the process is ongoing; much of the available funding has already been awarded (though "quite a bit more" remains), and the grant term was shortened from five to four years, so the city must prepare for the next application window. Staff said lessons from the earlier Chippewa Falls Fire District effort remain valuable. - Storm response: roughly 3 inches of rain fell quickly the previous day; Altoona fared well, with some manhole covers popping and crews standing by until water receded. A library leak came through a brick wall (unrelated to the new roof) for the second time in heavy rain, and staff are getting a price to install a liner. Water also backed into the Yard boutique through the front door, but the roof was not the cause. - Center City Days: staff reported the event went well and was busy, with a delayed Saturday start due to rain and softball. - Independence Day celebration (Saturday, June 27, the Saturday before July 4): Festival Foods will again pay for fireworks, contributing $12,500 toward an expanded show; an additional $2,500 in sponsorship funds brought the show to $15,000. The band Thunderman will play. A July 2 veterans ceremony on the pond walk will feature flags around the pond, a summer jam, patriotic elements, and possibly the unveiling of the memorial to fallen veterans if it is ready (the statue is not yet installed; landscaping is underway). Key Outcomes - Approved the May 28, 2026, council meeting minutes (unanimous). - Approved the consent agenda (items 1-4 and 6) unanimously; approved item 5 (tobacco/vaping licenses) with Councilmember Rowe abstaining. - Approved the Class "A" liquor and beer retail licenses for Ranch Brand Meat Company, LLC, DBA Rumps/Ranch Brand Meat Co., including a provisional license covering June 12-30, 2026 (unanimous). - Approved the ETJ agreement among Amy Alpine, the City of Altoona, and the Town of Washington (unanimous). - Approved the River Prairie Event Center Management Agreement with Hospitality Management T & T, LLC for July 1, 2026-December 31, 2028 (unanimous). - Approved Ordinance 6A-26, amending the city's fee schedule for the River Prairie Center, River Prairie outdoor spaces, and Yard Container Park fees (unanimous). - Approved the exclusive rental use policy for the Yard Container Park (unanimous). - Adjourned at 6:38 p.m.

The Altoona City Council met on Thursday, May 28, 2026, at 5:00 PM. The meeting included a citizen participation period, approval of minutes, departmental reports, and four new business items. All actions were approved unanimously. Public Comments - Randall Walmer addressed the council regarding tax assessment errors at the apartment complex on 11th Street and North Hillcrest Parkway (Cottagewood Lane properties). He reported that after his initial concerns in March, he contacted Accurate Assessors and discovered that the second story of the properties had not been included in assessments, leading to all 18 units being underassessed. He estimated that the city missed approximately $35,000–$40,000 in property taxes in the last year. The second assessor acknowledged the mistake and noted that it would be up to the city to pursue back taxes under state statute. Mayor Pratt responded that the city had contacted assessor Megan Bickford, who was helpful. Walmer expressed satisfaction with the resolution and acknowledged that mistakes happen. Discussion Items - Approval of Minutes (May 14, 2026): Approved unanimously. - Departmental Reports: - Public Works reported on the cleanup and tent setup at the park yard, successful grand opening (second busiest day), and events like Salsa Night and Cinco de Mayo. - The solar array at Public Safety went online, producing about $50/day at 10 cents/kWh, offsetting roughly 50% of the building's electricity usage. - Third Street bike trail concrete curb cuts to be installed the week of June 8, with asphalt paving the week of June 15. Street construction (Gloaty) pavement removal next week, binder by end of June, project completion by July. - Seal coating and crack sealing underway. - New Business 1: Ordinance 5B-26 – Salaries of Mayor and City Council: The ordinance amends Section 2.08.045 of the Altoona Municipal Code. Currently the mayor receives $7,200/year and council members $3,000/year; the ordinance raises both by $1,500. Increases take effect after the next election (mayor not running again). Staff noted the raise is overdue and compares favorably to other municipalities. The ordinance passed unanimously. - New Business 2: Contract with Chippewa Habitat for Humanity for Safe Steps Home Improvements: Julian Emerson (Grant and Housing Program Manager) presented the contract. Habitat will provide critical home repairs (saving homeowners 40–50% on average due to reduced labor) and yard cleanup (up to $500 per property after police notification of noncompliance). Habitat waived an operations fee. The contract designates Habitat as the preferred contractor. Council discussed how noncompliance is determined (based on existing ordinance regarding junk) and potential challenges in outreach. The contract was approved unanimously. Executive Director Phil (of Habitat) expressed excitement and noted they have volunteers ready. - New Business 3: Awarding Bid for Multi-Building Hailstorm Repairs: The low bidder was CNA Custom Contractors at $287,000, well under insurance estimates. All costs are 100% reimbursable by insurance minus a $1,000 deductible. The project includes multiple buildings (including a salt dome). Work will be phased, with completion expected this year. Bid awarded unanimously (Councilperson Beeren abstained). - New Business 4: Acceptance of TAP Grant and Approval of Design/Planning Costs for Spooner Ave Pedestrian Bridge Replacement: The city was selected for a Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) grant. Design fees (estimated $200,000) are not reimbursable. City Engineer Christian Hubert plans to pursue a design-bid approach to save costs. The grant covers 80% of construction (estimated $891,000 total, local share $178,000). The project is in the two-year capital budget with $100,000 in 2027 and $100,000 in 2028 for design/environmental review, and construction anticipated in 2029–2030. Council directed staff to accept the grant and adjust the capital improvement budget. Motion approved unanimously. Key Outcomes - Approved minutes of May 14, 2026 (unanimous). - Approved Ordinance 5B-26 raising mayor and council salaries by $1,500 each (unanimous). - Approved contract with Chippewa Habitat for Humanity for Safe Steps Home Improvements (unanimous). - Awarded hailstorm repair bid to CNA Custom Contractors for $287,000 (unanimous with one abstention). - Accepted TAP grant and adjusted capital budget for Spooner Ave Pedestrian Bridge design and planning (unanimous). Miscellaneous Business - Mayor Pratt reported attending a meeting about data center development in Menominee, noting concerns about transparency and the need for full community information. He mentioned that Momentum West has launched an informational page, and a regional discussion may occur in August. City Administrator Taylor will begin work on specific zoning for data centers. The council briefly discussed energy usage, water usage, and diesel generator pollution, but the discussion was curtailed as not on the agenda. - Public Works was commended for cleaning up Edgewood after the last meeting. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at approximately 6:39 PM.

The Altoona Board of Review convened its initial meeting on Thursday, May 28, 2026, at 4:45 PM in the Council Chambers at City Hall. The meeting lasted approximately four minutes and focused on organizational matters, including officer elections and scheduling the adjourned session for later in the year when the assessment roll is completed. Consent Calendar - No consent calendar items were considered. Public Comments & Testimony - None. Discussion Items - Officer Elections: Matt Beer was nominated and unanimously elected as Chairperson. Sue Rowe was nominated and unanimously elected as Vice Chairperson. - Roll Call: All board members were present: Mayor Brendan Pratt, Chairperson Matthew Beer, Dale Stuber, Timothy Lima, Bruce Seelen, and Susan Rowe. Also in attendance were Attorney Samba Kyanson, Deputy Clerk Julie Oliver, and City Clerk Cindy Bauer. A quorum was established. - Mandatory Training Verification: City Clerk Cindy Bauer reported that she, along with council members Dale Stuber and Susie Zilmer, had completed the required certification, valid through 2028, thereby fulfilling the annual training requirement for the board. The remaining members (Sue Rowe, Matt Beer, and Tim) will need to complete the training before next year's board. Key Outcomes - Officers Elected: Matt Beer as Chairperson, Sue Rowe as Vice Chairperson. - Adjournment: A motion carried unanimously to adjourn to Wednesday, August 26, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, for the continuation of the Board of Review when the assessment roll is expected to be completed. The meeting was then adjourned.

The Altoona City Council met on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at 5:00 PM in the Council Chambers at City Hall. The meeting included a public hearing and approval of a rezone, a presentation from the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), awarding of contracts, reappointments, and formation of a new Capital Improvement Program (CIP) committee. Consent Calendar - Approved amending the premise description for the Class B liquor license of Egg Rolls & More (1419 Lynn Avenue) to include a designated parking lot area on May 15, 2026, for a graduation. - Approved a Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Altoona and the Altoona Lions Club for use of city facilities at Cinder City Park, Altoona City Park, and Devney Park during Cinder City Days. - Acknowledged proclamations for National Bike Month (May 2026), Professional Municipal Clerks Week (May 3-9), National Police Week (May 10-16), National Public Works Week (May 17-23), and National EMS Week (May 17-23). Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were offered during the Citizens Participation Period or the public hearing for the rezone. Discussion Items - Rezone of 311 US Hwy 12 (Parcel 1820122709254200004): The council held a public hearing for a rezone request from Hoss Bros., LLC, to change 0.72 acres from R1 to commercial for a warehouse, showroom, and office. Staff confirmed the rezone meets all criteria in the zoning code, and the Planning Commission recommended approval. The council then approved Ordinance 5A-26. - MPO Presentation: Eric Anderson, MPO Director / Senior Planner from WCWRPC, presented an overview of the MPO, its role, and recent projects with Altoona (bike/ped plans, sidewalk inventory, safe routes to school, TAP grants). He distributed a new long-range transportation plan booklet and crash data specific to Altoona. Key data: The intersection of Claremont Avenue and London Road had 71 crashes (23.7 per year) in 2022-2024, the highest in the MPA. The MPO aims to form a working group to improve safety on Claremont Avenue. Discussion also included the state’s Highway 53 corridor study from Claremont to North Crossing. - Pavement Preservation Program Bid: The council awarded a contract for crack sealing, microsurfacing, and Gilsonite sealing on streets and bike trails. The total bid amount was $91,005.20 to Farner. The program was budgeted at approximately $100,000 from leftover project funds. - City Attorney Appointment: The council reappointed John Bailey and Will Riley as City Attorney for a two-year term ending May 2028. - Assessor Appointment: The council reappointed Megan Bickford of Accurate Appraisal as City Assessor for a two-year term ending May 2028. - Ad Hoc CIP Committee Formation: The council approved the formation of an ad hoc Capital Improvement Program committee, consisting of two council members and one public member (Mark Willer recommended). The committee will work to improve the budget process, consider moving to a two-year capital budget, and align projects with strategic goals. Staff will bring an ordinance amendment for the two-year budget in June. - Other Reports: City Administrator Michael Golat reported on a $5.2 million grant for Spooner Avenue and a $700,000+ grant for a footbridge, attendance at a data center debate meeting in Monominee, and updates on the TAP grant. Councilmember Susie Zilmer reported on a League of Wisconsin Municipalities conference and proposed a statewide certification program for council members. Planning Director Taylor Greenwell announced the upcoming Parks and Open Space Plan update, seeking two council members for the steering committee. A discussion on hailstorm repairs (Item 5) was postponed to the next meeting. Key Outcomes - Approved Ordinance 5A-26 rezoning 311 US Hwy 12 (motion by Stuber, second by Burin, unanimous aye). - Awarded pavement preservation contract to Farner for $91,005.20 (motion and second, unanimous aye). - Reappointed John Bailey and Will Riley as City Attorney for a two-year term (motion and second, unanimous aye). - Reappointed Megan Bickford as City Assessor for a two-year term (motion and second, unanimous aye). - Approved formation of the ad hoc CIP committee (motion and second, unanimous aye). - Consent Agenda approved unanimously.

The Altoona Plan Commission met on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at 4:30 PM in Council Chambers. The meeting included a presentation from the Chippewa Valley Metropolitan Planning Organization, a rezoning recommendation for the Hoss Bros LLC property, and discussion on updating the city's five-year parks plan. All votes were unanimous. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The commission approved the minutes of the April 14, 2026 regular Plan Commission meeting by a voice vote. Commissioner Roth abstained, and the Mayor also abstained. The motion carried. Public Comments & Testimony - No citizens participated in the Citizens Participation Period; it was closed by motion. Discussion Items - Presentation from Eric Anderson, WCWRPC/MPO: Eric Anderson, director of the Chippewa Valley Metropolitan Planning Organization, presented an overview of the MPO's work. Key points included: - The MPO is funded 80% by federal highways, 4-6% by WisDOT, and the remainder by the regional planning commission; services to local governments within the Metropolitan Planning Area are provided at no cost. - In 2025, the MPO updated its long-range transportation plan (adopted February 2026) and conducted various projects, including official mapping for Altoona, a trail grant proposal for Centennial Park, and a multi-use path on McKinley Road. - A public survey for the long-range plan received 1,200 responses (up from 350 in 2021). The highest-ranked transportation priority was reducing crashes; the lowest was expanding roads. - The MPO created a poster summarizing the plan, reportedly the first of its kind in Wisconsin, and provided crash reports for each local government, including a specific report for Altoona. - Altoona's crash data (from law enforcement reports) showed alcohol/drugs contributed to 7% of crashes; speed, weather, and darkness were also notable factors. - Rezoning of Hoss Bros LLC Property (311 S. Highway 12): Staff presented a request to rezone a 0.72-acre parcel from R1 (residential) to commercial, following a comprehensive plan amendment approved the previous month. The property would be used for a commercial warehouse with access from the newly purchased adjacent strip. The parcel is east of multifamily housing and west of existing commercial areas. The comprehensive plan designation is Mixed Use, which supports commercial zoning. Staff reviewed the zoning code criteria and found the rezoning compliant. The commission discussed potential access points and coordination with WisDOT. Key Outcomes - Rezoning Recommendation: The Plan Commission voted unanimously (all ayes, no nays) to recommend approval of the rezoning petition to the Common Council. The motion was made by Commissioner Bieran and seconded. - Parks Plan Update: The commission noted the need to update the city's five-year Parks and Open Spaces Plan to maintain eligibility for DNR and state funding. Two Plan Commission representatives are needed for a steering committee; the Mayor volunteered to serve. Other interested members were asked to contact Planning Director Taylor Green. - Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 5:58 PM by unanimous vote.

The Altoona Common Council held its organizational and regular council meeting on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, beginning at 4:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Altoona City Hall, 1303 Lynn Avenue, Altoona, WI. The meeting included the swearing-in of three alderpersons, the election of a Council President, two public hearings on land-use matters, approval of a Comprehensive Plan amendment, two ordinances, and a roof repair contract award. The meeting adjourned at 5:32 p.m. Organizational Business - The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance. - Swearing-in of newly elected or re-elected Alderpersons: Matt Biren (Aldermanic District 4), Susan Zillmer (District 5), and Susan Rowe (District 6) were sworn into office. - Roll call established a quorum: Councilpersons Dale Stewart, Timothy Lima, Bruce Thielen, Matthew Beeren (Biren), Susie Zillmer (Zillmer), and Susan Rowe were present. Also present were City Attorney Justin Andrews, City Administrator Michael Golott, Assistant City Administrator Roy Adkinson, Public Works Director Scott Quick, City Engineer Christian Hubert, Planning Director Taylor Greenwell, and City Clerk Cindy Bauer. - Election of Council President: Councilmember Stewart (transcribed as "Stuber") nominated Matt Beeren; Councilmember Lima seconded. A motion for a unanimous ballot carried, and Beeren was elected Council President. - The minutes of the April 9, 2026, regular council meeting were approved by voice vote. Consent Calendar - Resolution 4B-26, recognizing World Migratory Bird Day on Saturday, May 9, 2026, was approved by voice vote as part of the consent agenda. Public Comments & Testimony - Citizens Participation Period: No members of the public spoke; the period was closed by motion. - Public hearing - Comprehensive Plan amendment for 311 US Highway 12 (Parcel 1820122709254200004): No public testimony was offered; the hearing was closed. - Public hearing - amendment to Title 19 "Zoning" of the Altoona Municipal Code (Ordinance 4A-26): No public testimony was offered; the hearing was closed. Reports - Staff reported that a social media post about sign ordinance compliance drew strong public engagement (one council member jokingly acknowledged getting caught leaving a garage sale sign out). - The River Prairie Festival is scheduled for Saturday, May 9, 2026, at River Prairie, in combination with "Gram Fest" - five bands from Eau Claire college students - and the Container Park is expected to open at full strength around mid-May, with a possible street-closing kickoff event similar to the grand opening. Discussion Items - Comprehensive Plan amendment, 311 US Highway 12 (applicant listed on the agenda as Hoss Bros., LLC; the transcript refers to "Haas Brothers LLC"): Planning Director Taylor Greenwell presented the request. The 0.72-acre parcel, within the Prairie Ridge development near Highway 12 and Bombach Way, is currently zoned R1 and contains a vacant single-family home. The applicant seeks to change the Comprehensive Plan's future land use designation from "mid-scale neighborhood" to "planned mixed use" to allow a proposed commercial showroom/warehouse building (first-floor showroom, stores, and storage; preliminary site plan only). Greenwell noted the city previously sold a strip of land to the property owner to provide access to the parcel, and confirmed in response to a question that the property is owned by Jason Griffin Truck. The Plan Commission recommended approval, and Greenwell recommended approval. A council member expressed support for the change: the parcel sits directly adjacent to commercial and multi-family uses rather than in the middle of a residential area; the applicant has a planned use with attractive preliminary building sketches; access would not be off Highway 12 (it would come from behind); and the amendment only enables future approvals - the development itself would still require additional review, including site plan review where details such as fencing would be considered. - Ordinance 4A-26 - Zoning code amendments: Greenwell reported that the new zoning code was approved March 12, 2026, and has been in use for about six weeks; six single-family homes have been approved under it. The ordinance makes targeted fixes: allowing all residential uses in the mixed-use district (described as an oversight); consolidating retaining wall standards between Titles 15 and 19 for consistency; significantly simplifying private access drive requirements with a single cross-section addressing safety and aesthetics while avoiding city maintenance obligations for private drives; and eliminating the minimum lot width requirement for twin homes/townhouses so duplexes and twin homes are treated consistently. - Ordinance 4B-26 - Records retention: Staff presented a cleanup ordinance repealing Chapter 3.12 (currently about 50 pages) and replacing it with the records retention schedule set forth in Wis. Stats. 16.61(7). Staff coordinated with the City Clerk and Police Department. Old records have been centralized at City Hall over the past two years, retention schedules are applied, and eligible records are shredded by an industrial shredding service. - Bauer Street Roof Repair bid: Staff reported that an emergency was declared in January 2026 for the Bauer Street fire station after an ice-dam event found weaknesses where roof seams meet, related to the low-slope roof configuration and construction method. The awarded contract adds five inches of insulation (R-30) between the steel deck flutes, installs a new rubber roof with flashing, and removes the metal facade around the top perimeter, with a full 20-year warranty. - Initial Board of Review: The Council set the Initial Board of Review for May 28, 2026, at 5:45 p.m., to convene and adjourn to a tentative date of August 26, 2026 (5-7 p.m.) when the assessment roll becomes available. Open book dates were noted as July 8 (2-6 p.m.) and July 9 (10 a.m.-2 p.m.), with notices to be sent. - Mayoral appointments and chairpersons: The Mayor stated the appointments remain unchanged from the prior arrangement; the Council approved the list. Key Outcomes - Matt Beeren was elected Council President (unanimous ballot). - Consent agenda approved, including Resolution 4B-26 (World Migratory Bird Day, May 9, 2026). - Comprehensive Plan amendment for 311 US Highway 12 approved as submitted (voice vote). - Ordinance 4A-26 (Title 19 zoning amendments) approved by voice vote. Note: the motion was initially stated as "4A-21" and corrected to 4A-26. - Ordinance 4B-26 (records retention) approved by voice vote. - Bauer Street Roof Repair awarded to RTS Roofing Inc. for $44,919; the motion also authorized the Mayor to sign the contract on behalf of the city and authorized staff to prepare the budget amendment. - Initial Board of Review date set for May 28, 2026, at 5:45 p.m., with August 26, 2026 (5-7 p.m.) as the tentative adjourned date. Miscellaneous Business and Communications - A council member noted that April 20 was National Lima Bean Day. - The Mayor reported that city staff met with the Town of Washington that day about the border agreement; a proposed boundary for the city's growth area was presented, and the Town "seemed receptive." - The Town of Washington's petition for village incorporation was not accepted; the Town may bring it back, and their consultant noted that on average such petitions take about three attempts before being accepted. - In response to a question about progress on a city project (transcribed as "city won't"), the Mayor said it is being reviewed by the finance committee, and Dave Solberg indicated the city should hear back soon; the Mayor characterized the outlook as positive. - The Council promoted the fire station pancake feed on Sunday, April 26, 7:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

The Plan Commission met Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at Altoona City Hall. Mayor Brendan Pratt and members Sue Roll, Nicholas Hog, Matthew Beeron, and Bill Hepner were present; Ryan Looney and Dean Roth were absent. Planning Director Taylor Greenwald and City Clerk Cindy Bauer were also present. The commission held a public hearing, recommended approval of a Comprehensive Plan amendment, recommended approval of amendments to Title 19, and handled routine business. Consent Calendar - The commission unanimously approved the minutes of the March 10, 2026, regular Plan Commission meeting. Public Comments & Testimony - No citizens spoke during the citizens participation period, and no public testimony was recorded during the 5:30 p.m. public hearing. Comprehensive Plan Amendment: 311 US Highway 12 (Hoss Bros., LLC) - The applicant, listed on the agenda as Hoss Bros., LLC and referred to in the transcript as Haas Brothers LLC, petitioned to amend the 2022 Comprehensive Plan's future land use map for Parcel 1820122709254200004, a 0.72-acre vacant parcel located off 311 US Highway 12 and currently zoned R1 (single-family residential). - The proposal is to construct a commercial/office-warehouse building with office/storage space and fenced storage. The parcel is near Prairie View Ridge and commercial/multifamily uses, with Perseverance Park further east. - The current future land use designation is 'mid-scale neighborhood,' intended for multifamily residential uses with compatible R2/R3 zoning. The applicant requested a change to 'planned mixed use,' which supports commercial uses along Highway 12/Highway 53 and would enable a future rezone to the commercial district. - Planning Director Taylor Greenwald noted the proposal had previously been discussed, with supportive consensus from the Plan Commission and support from the Common Council. He also explained that staff recommended denial because nothing had substantially changed on the planning and zoning side since the earlier discussion; the ordinance requires amendments to be generally consistent with the Comprehensive Plan. - Several commissioners noted the parcel sits between commercial and multifamily uses at the edge of the city on a major highway and viewed the proposed building as a good fit for a local business. Commissioner Sue Roll raised concerns about truck/equipment storage and traffic impacts. Staff clarified the item was not site plan approval, and future steps would include a rezone, a CSM to consolidate parcels, and site plan review. The applicant's timeline was described as the next two to four years. - The commission voted unanimously to recommend approval of the Comprehensive Plan amendment to the Common Council. Title 19 Zoning and Subdivisions Code Amendments - Planning Director Greenwald presented a package of amendments to Title 19, developed after applying the new zoning ordinance adopted by the Common Council on March 10, 2026. The redlined packet totaled roughly one and a half pages of actual code changes. - The largest revision would replace primary/secondary private drive requirements with a base private drive standard: a 22-foot drive surface meeting fire and accessibility requirements, six-inch curb and gutter, a five-foot sidewalk, and a five-foot park strip where no sidewalk or pedestrian way exists. The stated goals were safety, durability, appearance, and avoiding future city maintenance of private drives. - Other adjustments included ensuring all residential uses are allowed in the neighborhood mixed-use district, adding a minimum width for twin-home lots, adjusting when site plan reviews apply, increasing the accessory structure threshold for building permits, and dialing back material percentage/variability standards in larger subdivisions while preserving design goals. - Staff noted the DNR is reviewing environmental ordinance changes that would be relocated to Title 18 and brought back later. - The commission unanimously voted to recommend the Title 19 amendments to the Common Council. Miscellaneous Business & Communications - A commissioner asked about a contractor's statement that a deck permit would require a $1,500 plan under the new ordinance. Planning Director Greenwald said the city does not require an engineered or formally drawn site plan for a deck; a simple drawing showing setbacks is sufficient, while building code structural items are handled separately. He offered to discuss the matter with the contractor, Ryan at Rock and Tate, and said any missed code issue could be brought to a future Plan Commission meeting. - Greenwald also noted a Saturday meeting with the school district was productive, and a new parks plan process is expected to begin later this year. State code requires a parks plan update every five years, while the Comprehensive Plan update is not due until 2032. Key Outcomes - Approved the March 10, 2026 Plan Commission minutes unanimously. - Recommended approval to the Common Council of the Comprehensive Plan amendment for 311 US Highway 12 (Parcel 1820122709254200004) by unanimous vote. - Recommended approval to the Common Council of the Title 19 zoning and subdivisions code amendments by unanimous vote. - Adjourned at approximately 5:58 p.m. by unanimous consent.

The Altoona City Council met on April 9, 2026, to address public concerns regarding construction debris, a proposed restructuring of the county recycling fee model, approval of street improvement special assessments, and capital improvements for The Yard Container Park. Consent Calendar - Approved a proclamation recognizing Earth Day on Wednesday, April 22, 2026. - Approved a proclamation recognizing Arbor Day on Friday, April 24, 2026. Public Comments & Testimony - Whitetail Woods Development Debris: A resident living adjacent to the development presented a sample of roofing material and detailed ongoing issues with construction debris blowing onto their property and neighboring fields, despite previous city intervention. The resident cited municipal codes regarding waste containment and requested consistent enforcement and covering of dumpsters. - Supporting Comments: Kim Lynham supported the resident, sharing a past experience with water runoff issues. With 40 years of construction experience, he advocated for holding developers accountable, including requiring them to use covered dumpsters. Discussion Items - Response to Whitetail Woods Complaint: City Engineer Christian Hubert stated he monitors the site daily. Councilperson Bruce Thielen expressed frustration, calling the situation a waste of city resources. Councilperson Dale Stuber argued that persistent problems indicate a failure in city enforcement. City Administrator Mike Golott and Director of Public Works Scott Quick acknowledged the challenges but committed to continued pressure on the developer. - 2027 Recycling Program Changes (Eau Claire County): Regan Watts, County Recycling Program Manager, presented a plan to simplify the funding model. The county proposes consolidating the current $18 property tax charge and hauler-collected fee into a single $55 annual property tax charge per dwelling unit. Residents would receive a $60 annual credit ($15/quarter) from the county on their hauler bills, leveraging DNR grant funding. Extensive Q&A covered hauler cooperation, business fees, contamination rates, and enforcement. No formal vote was taken; discussion will lead to a future contract. - Resolution 4A-26 (Street & Utility Improvements): City Engineer Christian Hubert presented the final resolution for 2026 Street Reconstruction Projects. The resolution sets a 4.04% interest rate for special assessments. Total assessment covers 38% of project costs, with bid prices coming in 16% under estimate. Councilperson Susie Zilmer commended Christian for his communication with affected residents. The resolution was approved. - The Yard Container Park 2026 CIP Projects: Parks and Recreation staff presented a $75,000 package including a 20x20 tent for events, vendor booths from Lazy Monk Brewery, a concrete volleyball court and market pad, an outdoor projector ($6,000), a storage shed, and repairs to container restaurant floors (quarry tile replacement) and the taproom roof. Programming discussed included music series, a professional wrestling event, and a partnership with the Graham Fest university music festival. The package was approved. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda (Earth Day & Arbor Day): Approved unanimously. - Resolution 4A-26: Approved. The street project and associated special assessments will proceed. - The Yard Container Park CIP Projects: Approved. Staff will proceed with equipment purchases and structural repairs. - Recycling Program Changes: Discussion concluded. The county will finalize contracts for a future council vote on the 2027 implementation. - River Prairie Festival / Miscellaneous: Staff directed to coordinate the combined River Prairie Fest and Graham Fest. Council noted the conclusion of union contract negotiations without an agreement over grant funds and probation periods.